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Trail Running Planet · Lake District · Kentmere

Kentmere Horseshoe

High-level ridge running with minimal descent until the end. The views across Kentmere Reservoir and to the surrounding fells are some of the best in the eastern Lakes.

Distance

20.3 km

Ascent

1,108 m

Descent

1,107 m

Max elevation

827 m

Route type

Loop

Est. time

3h 10m – 4h 20m

Grade

Very Hard

Navigation

map_skills

Parking

LA8 9JL

Dogs

Welcome

Best seasons

spring, summer, autumn

About this route

One of the Lake District's best horseshoe routes, encircling the remote Kentmere valley on a high ridge linking nine Wainwrights including Ill Bell and Harter Fell.

Hazards & notes

Remote — long way from help if injured. Exposed ridge in bad weather. Very limited parking at Kentmere — no parking means no run.

Emergency

Call 999 or 112 → ask for Police → request Mountain Rescue. Register Emergency SMS: text "register" to 999.

Full route, GPX download & live conditions:

https://trailrunningplanet.com/routes/england/lake-district/kentmere/kentmere-horseshoe

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